In the spring of 2006, Easley Soccer Club was founded with a simple goal: to give the youth of Easley a place to play, learn, and grow through the game of soccer. What started as a small, community-driven effort has grown into a lasting institution—one that has impacted thousands of players and families over the past two decades.
As we celebrate 20 years of Easley Soccer Club, we reflect with gratitude on the people who believed in the vision from the very beginning. The families of William Rodriguez, Lee Coffee, Michael Hedrick, and Michael Waldrop were instrumental in establishing the club, giving their time, energy, and leadership to build something that did not previously exist in our community. Their commitment laid the foundation for everything ESC has become, and their legacy lives on in every player who wears the crest.
From day one, ESC has benefited from a strong and enduring partnership with the City of Easley. This relationship has been essential to the club’s success and sustainability. Through shared trust, cooperation, and support, the City has helped provide access to facilities, resources, and opportunities that allowed ESC to grow responsibly and remain rooted in the community. Quite simply, without the City of Easley, Easley Soccer Club would not be the club it is today. This partnership is one of ESC’s greatest strengths and something we proudly celebrate.
At the heart of ESC is its recreational soccer program, which has grown into one of the most successful youth sports programs in the area. Today, the rec program serves more than 500 players each year, offering a fun, inclusive environment where kids can fall in love with the game. For many families, rec soccer is their first experience with ESC—and for many players, it is where lifelong friendships and memories begin.
As the club matured, ESC expanded to include Academy and Select programs, providing additional pathways for players seeking higher levels of training and competition. These programs have allowed players to develop technically and tactically while continuing to emphasize character, teamwork, and respect. ESC has always believed that development comes before results, and that philosophy continues to guide the club today.
Over 20 years, Easley Soccer Club has grown beyond city limits, extending its reach into Pickens County and Anderson County, while maintaining its identity as a community-first organization. Along the way, ESC has invested in coaching education, referee development, facility improvements, and partnerships with local schools and organizations—strengthening the soccer landscape for everyone involved.
As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with deep appreciation for the volunteers, coaches, parents, referees, city partners, and players who have made ESC what it is. Every practice, game, fundraiser, and late night meeting has contributed to a club that continues to serve its community with pride.
Twenty years later, Easley Soccer Club remains committed to the same mission it began with in 2006:
to grow the game, develop players, and strengthen our community—one season at a time.
Here’s to the past 20 years, and to many more ahead.